In Grand Rapids, Michigan, the weather is lovely in the Spring and summer, with mild temperatures allowing homeowners to enjoy the extended living space the outdoors provides. Go here for the latest trends in outdoor living spaces.

Patio furnishings can make the garden an appealing environment to entertain a group of friends or loved ones or wallow in quiet solitude. Many people like to leave their furnishings outside in the winter, but can a Michigan winter harm the outdoor material?

Winter in Grand Rapids can bring extreme cold and snowstorms, keeping homeowners trapped indoors for a couple of months in the blustery temperatures, abandoning the sanctuary of their natural surroundings.

It is highly recommended to bring patio furnishings in to avoid the possibility of damage from frigid temperatures and heavy bouts of snow, prone in Michigan. However, in less intense conditions, the pieces can stay out all year as long as they’re adequately sealed and protected when left outdoors.

Patio Furnishings to Leave Out All Winter

Many people in Michigan spend their winters at home and when the temperatures dip, they spend their time indoors. When the sun shines, everyone enjoys getting out as much as possible and needs a place to cozy up, to refresh and rejuvenate.

With patio furniture Grand Rapids , you can sit and wallow in the sunshine with a blanket and some hot tea or cocoa. Many people might pack their furnishings up and stow them away in the garage for the winter, but the right pieces can withstand some winter conditions. Here are some guidelines.

Stone

Stone isn’t the first choice many people make for their patio seating. It’s hard and heavy, and it’s not often something you would see in a private home. These pieces are typically reserved for public use. However, they are ideal for withstanding harsh conditions and much abuse.

Damage would be unlikely in most winter weather since stone is not easily damaged. At its worst, it can become uncomfortably cold to sit on, but with the proper padding, it would be simple to resolve. The furniture can be wiped down with only a wet cloth.

Treated wood

Wood is a natural product already seen among mother nature and is weather resistant. Keeping patio seating consistent with what you see in nature outside throughout the year makes sense if it’s treated and adequately maintained.

The ideal woods to consider would include teak, mahogany, and oak, among the most durable and able to withstand harsh conditions. A recommendation is to keep a breathable fabric covering over the furnishings when these are not in use as a layer of protection.

Rattan

Synthetic rattan is a strong, durable material suitable if you want to keep your patio set up all year. It can withstand harsh conditions and high pressure. Natural rattan, on the other hand, is an entirely different material that’s not fit to stay outside in the winter unless you’re in a tropical location.

When comparing furnishings in Grand Rapids, consider the winter weather, which is usually bitterly cold and ridden with snow. If you intend to leave your set outdoors for the season, look for synthetic rattan. Natural material won’t hold up under the harsh conditions.

Plastic

If you prefer plastic furniture for its easy care and affordability, this will need to be cleaned and stored for winter in frigid weather conditions like those in Michigan. Again, tropical locations wouldn’t have a problem if they prefer to leave these pieces out all year.

Plastic is a brittle material. When exposed to blustery cold temperatures, the plastic can crack or break under the conditions. Adding heavy blankets of snow on top of the furniture can cause it to deteriorate further and faster.

Aluminum

Aluminum material can hold up against harsh winter conditions and extreme pressure. Because it has a unique reaction with oxygen, a protective layer is created over the furnishings, an oxide coating. This makes it less susceptible to corrosion.

Final Thought

With winters in Grand Rapids, Michigan, being extreme for cold and snow, people look forward to the days when the sun breaks through. It’s a time to get out for fresh air and to wallow in nature, refresh and rejuvenate.

However, they need furnishings that are cozy and comfortable. Find tips for buying patio furniture by visiting https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2013/05//tips-for-buying-patio-furniture/index.htm.

The materials we spoke of are some that can withstand the harshest conditions, particularly treated wood and stone. It will be an investment to get the highest-quality seating. For wood, that would include teak, mahogany, or oak. This will ensure it stands up against extreme temperatures and inclement weather.

You can also extend its lifespan with adequate care and upkeep, including keeping it covered when not in use and cleaning it each year or twice a year.